IMMIGRATION: PROTECT KIDS. DEFEND FAMILIES. HOLD THE SYSTEM ACCOUNTABLE.
I just saw this article and it made me sick. We need to fix this immediately.
STOP THE BAD FAITH FEAR MONGERING.
1. Guarantee Legal Representation for Unaccompanied Minors
Texas will ensure that no child faces immigration court alone.
State-funded, bilingual, trauma-informed legal counsel will be provided for every unaccompanied migrant minor processed in Texas.
Legal representation begins at intake, not just before court dates.
2. Dedicate Legal Aid Fund for Immigrant Children
Legal defense for children isn’t charity—it’s a right.
Texas will establish a permanent, predictable funding stream to support legal defense for unaccompanied minors and vulnerable immigrant populations.
Contracts will go to vetted nonprofits, law clinics, and qualified professionals through a transparent application process.
3. System-Wide Audit of Defunct Programs
Texas will audit every contractor, nonprofit, and federal subcontractor whose services were affected or terminated during the federal government’s pause in legal support.
The audit will determine who was responsible, what kids lost, and where gaps remain.
A full public report is due within the first 180 days of the administration.
4. Mandatory Oversight When a Child Is Relocated
If a child is moved out of a shelter, school, foster home, or community setting, the Texas Immigration Oversight Office (TIOO) must be notified within 24 hours.
These reports will be reviewed monthly by a civilian oversight board.
All records are subject to audit and made available to the child’s legal team and guardian.
5. Texas-Level Flores Agreement
All child-housing facilities in Texas must meet Flores Agreement standards or better, regardless of federal action.
This includes:
Surprise inspections
Multilingual complaint lines
Public reporting of violations
Any facility found in violation will be immediately shut down until rectified.
6. Zero Tolerance for Family Separation
Family separation as an immigration policy is banned statewide. Texas will not participate in or support this under any pretense.
Facilities, law enforcement, or contractors that participate will lose state contracts and licenses.
State-funded family reunification programs will support victims of past separations.
7. Community-Based Alternatives to Detention
Instead of expanding ICE or detention centers, Texas will invest in compassion-first, non-carceral community care centers.
These centers will offer:
Legal aid
Trauma care
Mental health and medical treatment
Housing and education
Reunification services
8. Faith-Based Partnerships with Strict Boundaries
Faith-based organizations may assist, but:
No forced prayer
No religious requirements for services
No discrimination based on religion, gender, or sexuality
Must sign a neutrality clause and undergo annual oversight.
9. State-Funded Deportation Defense Program
A Texas-funded public defender system for immigration cases will provide:
Free legal counsel for qualifying immigrants
Translation and interpreter access
Education about rights and options
10. No ICE Collaboration on Civil Immigration
Texas law enforcement will be prohibited from cooperating with ICE on civil immigration enforcement (i.e., no detainers, no arrests for status alone).
ICE must get a warrant—not just a request—and local agencies will not act as immigration police.
“GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR, YOUR HUDDLED MASSES YEARNING TO BREATHE FREE…”
- EMMA LAZARUS, WORDS ETCHED ON THE STATUE OF LIBERTY
